Europe’s largest sport-dedicated podcast network, Manchester-based Sport Social, is looking (slightly) South for its three latest podcast partnerships with major football clubs.
Official podcasts with Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa join a repertoire of over 500 podcasts hosted by the network, including its established footballing portfolio featuring North West favourites The Official Man City Podcast and The Anfield Wrap.
The partnerships are “testament to the increasing number of rights holders that are looking to utilise podcasting to provide loyal fans with exclusive and in-depth access to their favourite team, players and sport.”
Creating opportunities for long-form audio, video, and live content outside of traditional media platforms, major sports clubs are able to utilise podcasting to connect with their fans in a new and meaningful way.
Having launched at the start of August, Potters’ Pod: The Official Stoke City Podcast marked the first of the new podcasts to join the network. Hosted by television presenter and content creator Rob Adcock, the podcast offers fans exclusive long-form interviews with first team players, getting under their skin to reveal more of their personalities than ever before and tell their own stories. Its first episode features recent signing Viktor Johansson as well as co-host former Stoke City Striker Chris Iwelumo.
Sport Social has also strengthened its existing relationship with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The network, which already supports the club with the production of its short-form news update Wolves Express, is now working closely with host, match-day commentator and fan favourite Mikey Burrows to relaunch Wolves Weekly as the fresh and renewed The Official Wolves Podcast. Launched on the 15th August, the show provides fans with in-depth discussion and debates around their favourite team.
Rounding off the network’s recent success is its brand new partnership with Aston Villa, whose podcast The official Aston Villa Podcast is set to launch tomorrow, September 5. Hosted by Alan McInally and Kate Tracey, the show will feature special guests including star players, coaches and club legends. Its first episode will see club captain John McGinn reacting to the club’s Champions League draw – the Villains’ first ever foray into the competition.
The partnerships come at a time of significant growth for Sport Social, which currently boasts 10 million monthly downloads across its shows. Aston Villa, Stoke City, and Wolverhampton Wanderers will join an impressive list of rights holders already working with the network, including the likes of World Athletics, Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United.
Thomas Holdcroft, head of marketing and communications at Stoke City FC, celebrated the partnership: “The launch of Potters’ Pod is an integral part of our endeavours to elevate our content offering for our supporters to be proud of and enjoy.
“We are working really positively with the Sport Social team on creating something that tells the authentic stories of well known Potters, and helps our fans get to know the person behind the player in every episode.”
Jim Salveson, Sport Social’s director of sport, added: “It’s a pleasure to be joining forces with Stoke City and Aston Villa, and to be expanding our work with Wolves. All three clubs understand the potential of podcasting for building those crucial connections with their fans, and for giving them the content that they want. It’s great to be able to work with them to help make the most of these opportunities and create strong, engaging content that resonates deeply with its audience. I look forward to seeing the shows grow over the coming weeks.”
